Mrs. Maximilian A. Tufts, "Sally," passed away January 1, 2016, at 91 years old. Sally was a Master at Warrenton Hunt (VA) from 1978 until 2000. When she stepped down from that role, she never stopped helping and was a mentor to many throughout the mounted hunting community. Anyone lucky enough to have known her could tell you how special she was. Foxhunting has lost one of its heroes.

Sally Spilman Tufts was born November 19, 1924, in Washington DC, to Baldwin Day Spilman, Jr., and Phoebe Elliot Randolph. She was president of the Fauquier SPCA for over 30 years, and after retirement remained on the board as President Emeritus. Sally was a passionate horsewoman and lifelong foxhunter. She served as Joint Master of Warrenton Hunt for 22 years. She is survived by her children, Maximilian A. Jr, Baldwin D. , Walter D., Phoebe R., and Henry P., seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Her daughter-in-law, Maria Tufts, reflected on the long history Sally’s family has with Warrenton: her father, stepfather and uncle were all Masters. "Sally started hunting at age 8 or 9 and only had a break for some years after she got married and moved away. Upon the family’s return to Warrenton, she went back hunting and only stopped when she no longer could ride. All in all, five generations of her family were foxhunters, including two of her children (both eventually were honorary whippers-in) and two grandchildren."

Sally was remembered by the present Warrenton Masters in their message to members: "Her devotion to our organization never wavered. In so many ways she was a fixture of the Warrenton Hunt." Rick Laimbeer, MFH, recalled that "My dad served with Sally as Joint Master for ten years and very much enjoyed their partnership." Following her passing, Warrenton held a moment of silence in her honor at their meet from Oakwood.

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